Rock Creek Regional Park

Rock Creek Regional Park covers approximately 1800 acres and includes the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood and the picturesque 55-acre Lake Frank. Visitors can enjoy the park by meandering along 13 miles of trails through woodlands and along the lakeshores, picnicking, fishing, boating and viewing many species of resident wildlife. Picnic shelters can be reserved by contacting the Park Permits Office. Other park amenities include playgrounds, Needwood Boat Rental and Snack Bar, Meadowside Nature Center and lake tours on the Queen Needwood.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, year round. Operational hours of other facilities based within the park will vary; please check listings for each facility.

Announcements

WSSC Repairs in Rock Creek Regional Park
WSSC is performing repairs sewer lines within Rock Creek Regional Park. Details on impacts to the Rock Creek Hiker Biker Trail, Lakeside Trail and to trails to the west of Lake Needwood are available at ParkProjects.org. For more information on WSSC Consent Decree projects, please visit the WSSC website or call Montgomery Parks at 301-495-2595. (1/22/2015)

Tips for Visitors

Help us make your visit as enjoyable as possible by adhering to the following recommendations:

The park has multiple entrances. Please check which entrance will take you directly to the area of the park you plan to visit.

Buses entering the park require access permits, which are issued by the Park Permits Office. Buses area not permitted in the park during weekends.

County and park rules require that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Boating and Fishing

Lake Needwood Boat Shop

Park visitors can rent canoes, rowboats and pedal boats or tour on the Queen Needwood pontoon boat between May –September. The boat shop also includes a snack bar. Hand carried boats can be launched and mooring is available. For more information on boat rentals, passes for private boats, and fishing, please view the complete Lake Needwood Boat Shop information.

Meadowside Nature Center

5100 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20855
301.258.4030

The Meadowside Nature Center nature center provides interpretive programs on the natural and cultural history of the area through exhibits, workshops, naturalist-led programs, camps, and hikes. Please contact the nature center for hours of operation and complete program information.

Picnic Shelters

The park has 18 picnic shelters, each accommodating up to 40 people. Shelters are reserved through the Park Permits Office. Shelters have grills and access to playgrounds, trails, archery, and other facilities. For more information on the shelters, fees, and guidelines for use, please see Recreational/Regional Picnic Shelters.

Trails

Experience nature and wildlife while hiking over 13 miles of scenic trails at the park. Natural surface trails cover the Lake Needwood and Lake Frank areas. The Rock Creek Hiker Biker Trail is an asphalt surface and extends to the District of Columbia line. For maps and trail information, visit Rock Creek Trails.

Archery Range

Located across from picnic area #3 on Beach Drive, the archery range provides sheltered target standards with measured shooting positions for 20 to 100 yards. The range is available first-come, first-served during normal park hours. Archers are permitted to use field points only and must provide their own targets.

Go Ape - Rock Creek Regional

Go Ape is a highly interactive treetop adventure. Spanning across 6 acres, the course features various obstacles including 5 zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope ladders, bridges and trapezes. The course takes 2-3 hours to complete and caters to all skill levels. Go Ape is ideal for anyone who is looking for a fun and exciting outdoor adventure.